Doll Collecting - How To Get Started

Dolls can be babies or high fashion models, sweet little girls or vampish sirens. There are almost as many kind of dolls as there are collectors, so whether you find yourself lingering amongst the pink boxes of the Toys 'R' Us doll department or gazing at the magazine photos of lifelike Ashton-Drake baby dolls, if you're reading this article you're probably thinking you'd like to start a doll collection.

Where to start?

First of all, collecting dolls can be an expensive hobby, so be sure you know where your "dolly dollars" are going to come from. Many doll collectors support their hobby by sewing, knitting, or crocheting doll clothes to sell, either on ebay, a Website, or at craft fairs. Dolls can be like potato chips -- it's impossible to just have one -- so be aware of your budget and space restrictions. You might not want dolls taking over your home!

Second, think about what kind of dolls you're attracted to. Some collectors are eclectic and like to own many different types of dolls. Others prefer to specialize in one main type, such as baby dolls or fashion dolls, while still other choose to concentrate on one brand or line. So while one collector may own several Barbies, a Ginny, a Madame Alexander doll, a few antique porcelain dolls, and a reborn baby doll, another may own Barbies, Genes, Kitty Colliers, and even a few Bratz, and yet another collector may choose to own only Sasha dolls. In short, no two doll collectors -- or collections -- are alike, and each doll collection is a unique expression of its owner's tastes.

If you're not familiar with all the different types and lines of dolls out there, the best thing to do is a lot of research. The Internet has really revolutionized doll collecting and is a seemingly endless source of information on the hobby. Many brick-and-mortar doll shops are also online, but many shops are Internet-only. Read, read, read -- pore over the doll magazines and thumb through collectors guidebooks. Look at lots of photos and read lots of descriptions to see what interests you. It's important, if you can, to attend a doll show or visit a doll shop to see dolls in person -- seeing dolls "in the flesh" is very different from seeing them in photos, and you may find yourself surprised to be pulled toward a doll at a show that you hadn't looked at twice online.

A doll show will expose you to a wide variety of dolls. You'll see, of course, the popular vinyl fashion dolls like Robert Tonner's Kitty Collier, Tyler Wentworth, and Betsy McCall, but you'll also see vintage Barbie and Ken dolls, as well as dolls by the venerable older companies like Effanbee and Madame Alexander. You'll see antique French and German dolls, play dolls, American Girl dolls, Bleuette, and even paper dolls. Take it all in -- this is your education.

Once you're ready to start purchasing dolls, the doll show and the brick-and-mortar doll shop are great places to begin, but the Internet has taken hold as a wonderful resource for doll collectors. Browse eBay for deals, but depending upon the dolls you want to own, you may want to gravitate toward online shops. Building a relationship with a doll dealer can work well for a collector, as once the dealer gets to know you and your collecting interests, she can let you know when something comes in that she knows you want.

If you've done your homework, you'll have a sense of what to pay for your dolls. New dolls' prices are often fixed, and it can be hard to get a bargain, but if you're buying dolls on eBay or elsewhere on the secondary market, you may be able to get some good deals.

It's exciting to bring your first doll home, and you may find that you want to share the fun with other collectors. Look for doll clubs in your area -- the United Federation of Doll Clubs http://www.ufdc.org can help steer you toward a local club. Also check Yahoo Groups http://groups.yahoo.com to see if there is a doll collecting group that appeals to you. These online discussion groups can be excellent sources of information and friendship.

As a doll collector, you can learn about fashion, history, and culture, but above all, you should just have fun!

Florence Bassett is a writer and doll collector, specializing mainly in Sasha dolls, Heidi Ott dolls, and Bleuette reproduction dolls.

Getting started collecting porcelain dolls

Who says that dolls are for kids? Porcelain dolls are today, the second best collectable item. Bisque porcelain and antique and are therefore very much appreciated. These dolls are also beautiful, give a unique charm to your home. Collectors should be aware of all information related to collect porcelain dolls to build a good collection representing the envy of every collector-and boy will be!

The dolls are handmade and hand painted normally high quality porcelain. The subtle expressions and eloquent poses are captured by the artist, increasing their value even more. Every minute detail has paid attention to when a collectible porcelain doll is judged, as even minor damage to it, especially the face, will reduce the value.

How expensive they are depends on the popularity of the artist and the amount of similar dolls produced. Since the dolls are for collectors for many years and adults who buy these dolls, it offers a fantastic trip back in the memory. The wonderful beauty of these dolls will remind you why you always of dolls.

If you want to start collecting, you must first determine what kind of pop you wish to collect. Research after that, the type of pop you have chosen. Duplicates of porcelain dolls are common, so be careful and your options carefully before buying one. Also understand the value of the antique pop before you in investing. This will help you save money.

Pop collection can be addictive. It's not like collecting vinyl dolls or other types of dolls. Although it takes you back to your childhood, there is intense competition to face once you a collector. You will have to attend shows porcelain doll, socialize with other collectors and keep a look out for each new porcelain doll in the market. Once you fall in love with these dolls, you will want to own every one of them. There are different types of porcelain dolls that you will encounter, so picking up the one you want to collect free over-whelming. Here are the few common types you will encounter:

Handmade porcelain dolls

These dolls are created by an artist in a limited edition and each piece is unique. No two dolls will look the same. This type of porcelain doll is extremely valuable, because of the sheer uniqueness and beauty. The popularity of the artisan adds more value to it.

Antique porcelain dolls

There are antique porcelain dolls that are hardly found. When you come across one that seems antique, make sure you verify the details, such as very realistic replicas of these beautiful dolls are created. These duplicates are sold in flea markets, garage sales and antique shops, they seem exactly as the original collectible. Do not be fooled by such replications. Make sure to verify with experts before you invest in an antique porcelain doll.

Limited Edition porcelain dolls

This is a very popular variety of porcelain dolls. Although they are mass production, it is only in a limited edition. For example, a collection of Christmas in the festive season can be released and it will sell like hot cakes! Make sure you buy limited edition dolls of a famous collector or seller of porcelain dolls.

Porcelain doll reproductions

As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of people around the world production role models and avoid duplication of the rare and antique porcelain dolls, as well as many other types of dolls.

Porcelain dolls are created in particular in certain countries. There are Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Persian, Native American, Indian and many other ethnic porcelain dolls. They also make excellent gifts! Whether your child or a special person, a unique porcelain doll to give a memorable gift.

Collection of dolls is one of the best hobbies, such as always you young at heart. This porcelain dolls, when displayed in the right way, can a true collector's pride to add character to your House as well. Surrounded by beautiful dolls such as this one is definitely luck to add to your home. Porcelain dolls are beautiful collectibles, as they are very valuable and appreciates their value only with time. That is why it is a worthy investment.

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